Aztec Amaya on the Future of Web3: Building LitVM, Scaling QuickSwap, and Shaping Blockchain’s Next Chapter
The Web3 industry has undergone a dramatic evolution—from a fringe concept to a transformative force across finance, technology, and digital ownership. At the heart of this global movement are the builders—visionaries who understand both the technical complexity and the revolutionary potential of blockchain technology. One of the most prominent voices leading this charge is Aztec Amaya.
Known as a driving force behind the success of Polygon, QuickSwap, and more recently LitVM, Aztec is a true multi-hyphenate in the blockchain world. As the Founder of LitVM, Chief Strategy Officer at Lunar Digital Assets (LDA), and Co-Host of QuickSwap’s podcast “The Aggregated”, he is helping reshape the infrastructure and culture of Web3.
In this exclusive interview with Cotxapi, Aztec Amaya reflects on his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and what’s next for both himself and the rapidly growing decentralized ecosystem.
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From Early Web3 Pioneer to Multi-Role Industry Leader
“My name is Aztec Amaya, and I’m a Web3 OG,” Aztec begins with characteristic humility. Despite juggling a full plate, his passion is unmistakable. He currently splits his time between three demanding and impactful roles:
- Founder of LitVM – Litecoin’s first EVM-compatible Layer 2 ecosystem.
- Chief Strategy Officer at Lunar Digital Assets (LDA) – A blockchain venture studio known for launching and scaling successful Web3 projects.
- Co-Host of QuickSwap’s “The Aggregated” – A top-ranking crypto podcast that features unfiltered conversations with Web3 leaders.
Each role brings its own unique challenges and rewards, but what ties them together is Aztec’s commitment to community, innovation, and decentralization.
“At my core, I’m just someone who’s genuinely excited about the potential of decentralized technologies and freedom,” he says. “My number one goal is always to help people find their way through Web3 and enjoy the ride.”
The Strategy Behind Polygon and QuickSwap’s Success
Aztec played a critical role in shaping the direction and early momentum of both Polygon and QuickSwap. As part of the Lunar Digital Assets team, he contributed to foundational decisions that helped these platforms scale to mass adoption.
“With Polygon, one of the key decisions was their initial commitment to Ethereum compatibility, while drastically improving scalability and keeping fees low,” he recalls. “But the real game-changer was the rebrand from Matic to Polygon – which was my idea.”
That rebrand marked a turning point, positioning Polygon as a multi-chain scalability solution rather than a single sidechain. It opened the door to developers, projects, and communities who saw the broader potential.
As for QuickSwap, Aztec highlights their early decision to embrace Polygon’s low fees and fast transactions, and to implement liquidity incentives that attracted capital and users alike. Later, the launch of V3 with concentrated liquidity made the DEX even more competitive, reinforcing its status as a flagship DeFi platform on Polygon.
How Lunar Digital Assets Identifies Web3 Market Leaders
So, how does LDA consistently back breakout projects in a space as volatile as Web3?
Aztec credits their success to staying grounded in fundamentals. “We always start by looking at the tech and product-market fit,” he explains. “I’m a KOL, and I’m all for short-form content, but I also spend a lot of time reading whitepapers, reviewing tokenomics, and digging deep.”
Above all, a real solution to a real problem, strong technical architecture, and a genuine community are non-negotiables. “We’re here to back founders that truly move Web3 forward.”
Podcasting, Real Talk, and Building Trust in Web3
Co-hosting QuickSwap’s “The Aggregated” podcast has become an integral part of Aztec’s voice in the industry. The show is known for honest, no-nonsense conversations with guests across every corner of the Web3 ecosystem.
“It’s funny—when you’re tweeting or writing, it’s a one-way street. But podcasting forces you to listen, engage, and explain ideas clearly,” Aztec says.
Their aim? To cut through the hype and tribalism that often clouds crypto discourse. Listeners come away with actionable insights, context for emerging trends, and often a few laughs along the way.
Managing Web3’s Chaos with Focus and Structure
Juggling leadership across three major Web3 platforms isn’t easy—but Aztec says the key lies in ruthless prioritization, empowering strong teams, and smart time management.
“I always ask myself: What one thing will have the biggest impact right now? That’s where my focus goes,” he says. He also credits his teams at LitVM, LDA, and support from his family as essential pillars that make it all possible.
LitVM: Bringing Smart Contracts to Litecoin
One of the most exciting projects Aztec is spearheading is LitVM, the first EVM-compatible Layer 2 built on Litecoin. It’s a bold effort to breathe new life into one of crypto’s oldest and most trusted assets.
“We’re unlocking the immense value of Litecoin beyond just payments. With smart contract capability, we can enable DeFi, real-world assets, NFTs, and more—all with the security of Litecoin’s Proof-of-Work consensus,” he says.
LitVM is designed to transform Litecoin into a fully programmable platform, complete with native developer tooling and dApps. It’s poised to ignite a new wave of innovation in a space long dominated by Ethereum-based networks.
Web3 Music and Real-World Adoption
Beyond finance and infrastructure, Aztec is turning his eye toward Web3 music, a space he believes is ripe for disruption.
“The music industry is huge, but in Web3, it hasn’t reached its full potential yet,” he says. Inspired by artists like Violetta Zironi and Marshall Beck, Aztec is exploring ways to democratize music distribution and support creators through blockchain-based models.
“Music might be another way to push mainstream Web3 adoption forward—especially when tied to real-world assets.”
Marketing and Community Building: A Decentralized Approach
When it comes to launching high-visibility projects, LDA takes a community-first approach.
“We view our community not just as an audience, but as active participants,” Aztec says. “It’s about building trust, providing transparency, and engaging honestly.”
Whether through AMAs, educational content, or organic social engagement, LDA ensures the project’s core message and value resonate across channels.
Top Advice for Aspiring Web3 Builders
For those new to the space, Aztec offers three key lessons:
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Solve a real problem – Don't just ride the hype wave.
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Build a real community – Be authentic, transparent, and empower users.
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Prioritize security and sustainability – Smart contract audits and sound tokenomics aren’t optional.
“Don’t rush to launch if it means cutting corners. Those shortcuts will catch up with you.”
What’s Next for Aztec Amaya and LDA?
The road ahead is full of opportunity—and Aztec has his sights set on expanding LitVM and incubating more high-impact projects at LDA.
“Personally, I’m doubling down on building with LitVM. The Litecoin meta is just getting started,” he shares. “At LDA, we’re focused on real-world utility and going where the market is headed—not where it is today.”
While he’s keeping some cards close to his chest, one thing is certain: Aztec Amaya remains one of Web3’s boldest and most consistent builders, driven by vision, experience, and a deep commitment to decentralized innovation.
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